Apparatus for supporting a person having enhanced portability and method of using same

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for supporting a person in a bathtub or shower. The apparatus comprising: an elongated base, comprising a tapered yoke operably coupled to a first end of the elongated base and a stabilizer operably coupled to a second end of the elongated base. The apparatus comprising a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein the rotatable and/or slidable chair is operably coupled to the same end of the elongated base as the tapered yolk. The method comprising: providing an apparatus having a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein some of the components may be foldable, such as a foldable seat, a foldable back, foldable legs, and a plurality of arms. Folding the foldable components of the slidable and/or rotatable chair make transporting easier and safer because the apparatus is more compact when the foldable components are in the folded position.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for supporting aperson and methods of use. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to light weight portable seats or benches and methods of use forpersonal hygiene activities.

2. BACKGROUND

Current global demographic trends indicate a growing segment of thepopulation is aging yet remaining active in travel. The combination ofthis aging population and their need for a more transportable showerseat suggests a new set of design criteria for such art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus forsupporting a person, comprising: an elongated base, comprising a taperedyoke operably coupled to a first end of the elongated base and astabilizer operably coupled to a second end of the elongated base; and arotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein the rotatable and/or slidablechair is operably coupled to the same end of the elongated base as thetapered yolk.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus forsupporting a person, comprising: a rotatable and/or slidable chair:comprising a seat; a back; and a plurality of arms; either of anelongated base and a slidable pivot connector therein; or a frame and aslidable pivot connector supported by the frame, wherein the elongatedbase and the slidable pivot connector, therein, or the slidable pivotconnector supported by the frame are operably coupled to the rotatableand/or slidable chair.

A third aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus,comprising: an elongated base having a tapered yoke operably coupled toa first end of the elongated base;

a rotatable and/or slidable chair, comprising: a seat; a back; and aplurality of arms 20, wherein the arms are operably coupled to only theseat and do not come in contact with the back of the rotatable and/orslidable chair so that an outermost surface of the arms of the rotatableand/or slidable chair form a coplanar surface with a first surface ofthe seat by folding into recesses in the seat, and wherein the rotatableand/or slidable chair is operably coupled to the same end of theelongated base as the tapered yolk by a slidable pivot connector forrotating the rotatable and/or slidable chair from about 0° to about360°.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method forsupporting a person in a bath tub or a shower stall, comprising:providing an apparatus, comprising an elongated base having a slidablepivot connector, therein; providing a rotatable and/or slidable chaircomprising: a seat; a back; and a plurality of arms, wherein the armsare operably coupled to only the seat, wherein the arms do not come incontact with the back of the rotatable and/or slidable chair and whereinan outermost surface of the arms of the rotatable and/or slidable chairform a coplanar surface with a first surface of the seat by being foldedinto recesses in the seat; installing the apparatus on opposite verticalwalls of a bathtub or shower; and unfolding the arms of the rotatableand/or slidable chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an apparatus having enhancedportability, according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3A depicts an elevation view of an apparatus having enhancedportability, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3B depicts an exploded view of the foldable chair of the rotatableand/or slidable chair;

FIG. 4 depicts an elevation view of a rotatable and/or slidable chair,according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an elevation view of an apparatus having enhancedportability, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an elevation view of an apparatus having enhancedportability, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of a frame, according to embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of a slidable pivot connector,according to embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flow sheet of a method 800 for supporting a person in abath tub or a shower, according to embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-9 depict an apparatus 10, 300, 500, for supporting a personhaving several features that enhance the value, usefulness, reliability,portability and durability. The devices are generally, though notexclusively, used by the elderly with limited mobility.

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of the apparatus 10 having enhancedportability which enables a user to more easily, safely and comfortablysupport himself (with or without assistance) in a shower or bath tub 18.The apparatus 10 comprises: a rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 and thebathtub or shower 18. The rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 depicted inFIGS. 1-2, and described in associated text, herein, comprises a backsupport 16, a seat 14, foldable arms 20, a foldable and/or rotatableyolk 24, a non-slip stabilizer 36, and an elongated base 12, theelongated base 12 being between the seat 14 and the bathtub or shower18. The foldable arms 20 may fold into recesses 34 in the surface 340 ofthe seat 14.

FIG. 2 depicts a horizontal cross-sectional view of the apparatus 10having enhanced portability taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1. In oneembodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 may be adapted toslide along the longitudinal axis 60 of the elongated base 12 or rotateon a slidable pivot 47 about an axis that is orthogonal to a surface 46that may be parallel to the longitudinal axis 60 of the elongated base12. The slidable pivot 47 may be a ball and socket type, or a swivel andpin or axle type. Hereinafter, “operably coupled or “operably coupling”is defined as linking or mechanically and physically attaching a firstsupporting structure, such as the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 toa second supporting structure, such as the elongated base 12, so thatthe first supporting structure may freely rotate about an axis of thesecond supporting structure and/or slide along a longitudinal axis ofthe second supporting structure.

In another embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 may bemechanically and physically attached to the elongated base 12.

The rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 may, in one embodiment, have afoldable back support 16 and foldable arms 20 operably coupled to therotatable and/or slidable chair 22 for back support and arm support,respectively, of the user.

In one embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 of theapparatus 10 may be made of hollow molded plastic, such as, for example,flexible plastic, curable silicone elastomer, organic elastomer, such aspolyester or polyurethane, viton, sanoprene, or Ethylene-Propylene-DieneMonomer (EPDM). Alternatively, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 ofthe apparatus 10 may be made of wood, or light metals such as, forexample, aluminum.

The elongated base 12 has a first end 56 and a second end 54. A foldableand/or rotatable yolk 24 may be operably coupled to the first end 56 anda stabilizer 36 the second end 54 may be operably coupled to the secondend 54. Hereinafter, “operably coupled” or “operably coupling” meanslinking or mechanically and physically attaching the foldable and/orrotatable yolk 24 or the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 to theelongated base 12, wherein the axis of rotation of the foldable and/orrotatable yolk 24 and rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 is orthogonalto a longitudinal axis 60 of the elongated base 12.

The foldable and/or rotatable yolk 24 and the non-slip stabilizer 36 maybe made from any appropriate solid material characterized by non-slipproperties, such as vulcanized rubber, or flexible plastic, curablesilicone elastomer, organic elastomer, such as polyester orpolyurethane, viton, sanoprene, or Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer(EPDM).

In one embodiment, the foldable and/or rotatable yolk 24 may havegripping arms 26, 28 for physically and mechanically gripping an outersurface 58 and the inner surface 59 of a wall 40 of the shower or bathtub 18, respectively.

In one embodiment, the non-slip stabilizer 36 may lie on a surface 32 ofa wall 38 of the shower or bath tub 18, thereby supporting the base 12and the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 thereon.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises a shower or bath tub 18.The stabilizer 36 on the second end 54 of the elongated base 12 may be anon-slip stabilizer 36 operably coupled to a surface 42 of the secondend 54 of the elongated base 12, so that slippage of the elongated base12 and the whole apparatus 10 in a direction orthogonal to thelongitudinal axis of the elongated base is substantially prevented whenthe non-slip stabilizer 36 lies on a supporting surface 32 of the wall38 of the shower or bath tub 18, thereby essentially completelystabilizing the second end 54 of the elongated base 12 and the rotatableand/or slidable chair 22, thereon.

In one embodiment, the foldable and/or rotatable yolk 24, in atub-supported model, enables a secure fixing of the rotatable and/orslidable chair 22 in a specific location along the surfaces 32, 44, 58,59, of the tub wall 40, without marring the tub surfaces 32, 44, 58, 59.

In one embodiment, the foldable and/or rotatable yolk 24 may pivotbetween about 0 and about 360° on a pivot device 191, wherein an axis ofrotation of the pivot device 191 is orthogonal to a surface 42 of theelongated base 12 that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 60, so thatthe foldable and/or rotatable yolk 24 may fold into recess 190 of theelongated base 12 so that an overall height of the rotatable and/orslidable chair 22 is reduced between about 20% and about 50% when thefoldable and/or rotatable yolk 24 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair22 is folded into the recess 190 of the elongated base 12.

Alternatively, the foldable and/or rotatable yolk 24 may be replaced bya second non-slip stabilizer similar to the non-slip stabilizer 36,resulting in non-slip stabilizers 36 on both ends 54 and 56 of theelongated base 112. The non-slip stabilizers 36 on both ends 54 and 56operably coupled to a surface 42 of the first and second ends 54 and 56of the elongated base 12, so that slippage of the elongated base 12 andthe whole apparatus 10 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinalaxis of the elongated base is substantially prevented when the non-slipstabilizers 36 lie on a supporting surfaces 32, 44 of the walls 38 and40 of the shower or bath tub 18, thereby essentially completelystabilizing the first and second ends 54 and 56 of the elongated base 12and the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22, thereon.

Alternatively, the elongated base 12, depicted in FIG. 2 and describedin associated text, herein, may be supported by legs 52 that may bedirectly supported by and lie on the bottom surface 50 of the shower orbath tub 18. In one embodiment, the apparatus 10, comprises a slidableand/or rotatable chair 22 having a seat 14 operably coupled to theelongated base 114. Legs 52 of the elongated base 114 may fold intorecesses 187 in the elongated base 114, so that a surface 51 of the legs52 may become flush or coplanar with the surface 42 of the elongatedbase 12. The rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 may have a smaller threedimensional volume, based on the length, depth and height of therotatable and/or slidable chair 22 when the legs 52 and the rotatableand/or foldable yolk 24 may be folded into the recesses 42 and 190,respectively. In one embodiment, the three dimensional volume of therotatable and/or slidable chair 22 is 1,080 cubic inches when elongatedbase 114 is 36 in. long×20 in. high×15 in. deep, when the legs 52 areextended under the elongated base 114 to support it. The threedimensional volume of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 is 720cubic inches when elongated base 114 is 36 in. long×20 in. high×1 in.deep, when the legs 52 are collapsed under the elongated base 114 foreasier and more comfortable and safe transporting or carrying therotatable and/or slidable chair 22. The three dimensional volume of therotatable and/or slidable chair 22 may be reduced by 720 cubicinches/1,020 cubic inches, or about 31%.

FIG. 3A depicts an elevation view of an apparatus 10, 300, havingenhanced portability, which enables a user to more easily, safely andcomfortably support himself (with or without assistance) in a shower orbath tub 109. The apparatus 10, 300, comprises: a rotatable and/orslidable chair 115; and a bathtub or shower 109. The rotatable and/orslidable chair 115 comprises an elongated base 114; and a foldable chair96.

The elongated base 114 has an upper surface 83 and a parallel oppositelydisposed lower surface 79. The bottom surface 85 of the seat 87 of therotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and the upper surface 83 of theelongated base 114 form an interface 81 that lies in a longitudinalplane defined by the points A, B, C, and D that lie in the surface 83 ofthe elongated base 114. Therefore, the upper surface 83 of the elongatedbase 114 supports the seat 87 because the lower surface 85 of the seat87 lies on the upper surface 83 of the elongated base 114. The rotatableand/or slidable chair 115 may be supported by the walls 105 of thebathtub or shower 109 because the lower surface 79 of the elongated base114 lies on the surface 77 of the walls 105 of the bathtub or shower109.

A grooved channel 116, having grooves 117 has been cut into a bottomsurface 85 of the seat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115. Aslidable pivot connector 118 running along the longitudinal axis 107 ofthe grooved channel 116, may operably couple the elongated base 114 andthe seat 87 of the foldable chair 96. The slidable pivot connector 118may be a pin or axle 120 having a concentric collar 111. Hereinafter,“operably coupling” or “operably coupled” is defined as linking ormechanically and physically attaching a first supporting structure, suchas the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 to a second supportingstructure, such as the elongated base 114, so that the first supportingstructure may freely rotate in a direction of the arrow 89 about avertical axis running perpendicularly to a longitudinal plane of thesecond supporting structure and/or slide in a direction of thebidirectional arrow 110 along the longitudinal plane of the secondsupporting structure.

The slidable pivot connector 118 comprises a pin or axle 120 having aconcentric collar 111, the pin or axle 120 having a longitudinal axisthat is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 107 of the rotatable and/orslidable chair 115. Referring to FIG. 6, the pin or axle 120 extendsfrom a well 9 within the elongated base 114 into the grooved channel 116that lies within the seat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115and runs along the longitudinal axis 107. The slidable pivot connector118 may be a pin or axle 120 having a concentric collar 111. When theslidable pivot connector 118 is a pin or axle 120 having the concentriccollar 111, the pin or axle 120 runs along the slot 116 and theconcentric collar 111 runs along the grooves 117 both of which run alongthe longitudinal axis 107, operably coupling the rotatable and/orslidable chair 115 to the elongated base 114. Hereinafter, “operablycoupling” or “operably coupled” is defined as linking or mechanicallyand physically attaching a first supporting structure, such as therotatable and/or slidable chair 115 to a second supporting structure,such as the elongated base 114, so that the first supporting structuremay freely rotate in a direction of the arrow 89 about a vertical axisrunning perpendicularly to a longitudinal plane of the second supportingstructure and/or slide in a direction of the bidirectional arrow 110along the longitudinal plane of the second supporting structure. Theslidable pivot connector 118 may be a type of connector used in a lazysusan for operably coupling a rotatable tray and a supporting structure.Hereinafter, a “lazy susan” is defined as a rotatable tray used forserving food, condiments, or relishes. The tray may rotate on a pin oraxle 120. The slidable pivot connector 118 may be a ball and socketconnector, in which one end of the ball and socket may be inserted intothe surface 83 of the elongated base 114, and another end of the balland socket may be attached to the seat 87 of the foldable chair 96.Alternatively, the slidable pivot connector 118 may be a swivel and pinor axle connector, having a pin or axle 120 inserted into the surface 83of the elongated base 114, or into the surface 85 of the seat 87, sothat the ball and socket connector or the swivel and pin or axleconnector operably couples the first and second supporting structures,such as the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and the elongated base114.

FIG. 3B depicts an exploded view of the foldable chair 96 of therotatable and/or slidable chair 115. In one embodiment, the rotatableand/or slidable chair 115 of the apparatus 10, 300 enables a user tomore easily, safely and comfortably gain access to the rotatable and/orslidable chair 115 to support himself (with or without assistance) in ashower or bath tub 109 by sliding along the grooved channel 116 in thedirection of the bidirectional arrow 91 along the longitudinal planedefined by the points A, B, C, and D on the surface 83 of the elongatedbase 114.

The foldable chair 96 comprises: a foldable back support 80, a seat 87and foldable arms 82. The foldable back support 80 may be operablycoupled, using operable coupling 6, to the seat 87, so that the foldableback support 80 may fold along axis 1 in the direction of thebidirectional arrow 2. The operable coupling 6 may be at least one hingeor any appropriate flexible joint that may operably couple the foldableback support 80 to the seat 87. Folding along axis 1 may provide a morecompact foldable chair 96 because the volume of the foldable chair 96 isreduced when the foldable back support 80 folds in the direction of thebidirectional arrow 2 along axis 1. This may enable more easytransportation of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115.

The seat 87 has an upper surface 92 and a parallel oppositely disposedbottom surface 85. The foldable arms 82 may fold in the direction of thebidirectional arrow 3 into recesses 5 in the surface 92 of the seat 87so that an upper surface 4 of the foldable arms may become flush orcoextensive with a plane of the surface 92 of the seat 87. In anotherembodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 of the apparatus 10,300, enables a user to more easily, safely and comfortably gain accessto the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 to support himself (with orwithout assistance) in a shower or bath tub 109 by rotating about theslidable pivot connector 118 in a direction of the bidirectional arrow89.

In one embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 comprise: thefoldable back support 80, the seat 87 and foldable arms 82. In oneembodiment, a height of the back support 80 from a plane formed by thesurface 92 of the seat 87 is between about 8 in. and about 12 in. In oneembodiment, a depth of the seat 87 along the plane formed by surface 92is between about 12 and about 15 in. In one embodiment, a height of thefoldable arms 82 from the plane formed by surface 92 is between about 6and about 8 in.

In one embodiment, the seat 14, 87 of the rotatable and/or slidablechair 22, 115 of the apparatus 10, 300, has a wider front edge 48 thanan edge 8 adjacent to the back 16, 80 of the rotatable and/or slidablechair 22, 115, and a flared front edge 3, extending the front edge 48between about 15 inches and about 25 inches. In this embodiment, flaredfront edge 3 aids the user in initially sitting on the seat 87 byenlarging the area of the seat 87.

FIG. 4 depicts an elevation view of an embodiment of the foldable chair96 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 of the apparatus 10, 300,depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and described in associated text herein,having enhanced portability which enables a user to more easily, safelyand comfortably support himself (with or without assistance) in a showeror bath tub 109. The foldable chair 96 of the rotatable and/or slidablechair 115 comprises a foldable back support 80, a seat 87, and foldablearms 82.

The foldable back support 80 may be operably coupled to the seat 87 sothat the back support 80 may be moved in either direction of thebidirectional arrow 86. When opening the foldable back support 80, afirst surface 98 of the foldable back support 80 is moved away from thefirst surface 92 of the seat 87. When in the open position, a person'sback may be comfortably supported by forming an angle 7 between thefirst surface 98 of the foldable back support and the first surface 92of the seat 87 from about 90° to about 180°, the angle 7 being formed at94 where the first surface 98 of the foldable back support 87 joins thefirst surface 92 of the seat 87.

When in a closed position, the first surface 104 of the foldable arms 82and the first surface 98 of the foldable back support 80 are movedtoward the recesses 84 and the first surface 92 of the seat 87,respectively. When in the closed position, an angle 7 between the firstsurface 98 of the foldable back support and the first surface 92 of theseat 87 may be from about 0° to about 90°, the angle 7 being formed at94 where the first surface 98 of the foldable back support 87 joins thefirst surface 92 of the seat 87.

Closing the foldable arms 82 and the foldable back 80 enables more easyand convenient transportation of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115because the chair 96 occupies less volume in the closed position andtherefore doesn't require as wide a path during transportation orstorage. When in the closed position, the angle 7 may be 0° and an outersurface 102 of the foldable arms 82 may be flush with the first surface92 of the seat 87 and the first surface 98 of the back support 80 may beflush with a first surface 92 of the seat 87. Hereinafter, “being flushwith” is defined as the first surface 92 of the seat 87 being adjacentto the first surface 98 of the back support 80 or the outer surface 102of the foldable arms 82 being coplanar with the first surface 92 of theseat 87.

The foldable back support 80 may be opened or closed by pivoting in adirection of the arrow 86 on any appropriate joining device 94 such as,for example, a hinge or a strip of rubber or plastic. The hinge may bemade of plastic, rubber, or metal, such as brass, stainless steel, tin,copper, or alloys of steel, tin, chromium, nickel, or copper. Theplastic may be flexible plastic, curable silicone elastomer, organicelastomer, such as polyester or polyurethane, viton, sanoprene, orEthylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM).

In the folded embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 of theapparatus 10, 300 has enhanced portability because the chair 115 becomesmore compact when the back support 80 pivots in the direction of thearrow 86 so that it is flush with the first surface 92 of the seat 87.The folding back or folding forward aids in making the seat moreportable by allowing a reduction in the overall height when folded.

In one embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 of theapparatus 10, 300 enables a user to more easily, safely and comfortablysupport himself (with or without assistance) in a shower or bath tub 109because the joining device 94 may pivot and be lockable in place orfixed in orientation to form a fixed angle 7 between about 90° and about180° with respect to the first surface 98 of the back support 80 and thefirst surface 92 of the seat 87. Solid Brass Butler lockable hinges thatwill lock in place at 90° and 180° are available from Van Dyke'sRestorers, PO BOX 278, 39771 S.D. HWY. 34, WOONSOCKET, SD 57385, PHONE:(605) 796-4425.

The foldable arms 82 may be operably coupled to the seat 87 and fold orpivot into recessed grooves 84 by rotating in a direction of the arrow88 so that an inner surface 104 of the foldable arms 82 may be coplanarwith the first surface 92 of the seat 87, or an outer surface 102 of thefoldable arms 82 may be flush with the first surface 92 of the seat 87,or the foldable arms 82 may be in any position therebetween with respectto the first surface 92 of the seat 87. Hereinafter, “being flush with”is defined as the first surface 92 of the seat 87 being adjacent to thefirst surface 98 of the back support 80 or being coplanar with an outersurface 102 of the foldable arms 82. The foldable arms 82 may functionas recessed folding handles that enable the seat 87 to be more portableby allowing recessed storage of the foldable arms 82 without sacrificingthe stability benefit they provide when the user uses the foldable arms82 as handles to support himself or herself, for example, when initiallysitting down on the seat 87 or moving on the seat 87 to wash.

The inner surface 104 of foldable arms 82 may be coplanar with the firstsurface 92 of the seat 87, or the outer surface 102 may be flush withthe first surface 92 of the seat 87 or in any position therebetween bypivoting in a direction of the arrow 88 on any appropriate joiningdevice 90 such as, for example, a hinge or a strip of rubber or plastic.The hinge may be made of plastic, rubber, or metal, such as brass,stainless steel, tin, copper, or alloys of steel, tin, chromium, nickel,or copper. The plastic may be flexible plastic, curable siliconeelastomer, organic elastomer, such as polyester or polyurethane, viton,sanoprene, or Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM). In a foldedembodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 of the apparatus 10,300, has enhanced portability because the rotatable and/or slidablechair 115 becomes more compact when the foldable arms 82 pivot in thedirection of the arrow 88 so that the outer surface 102 of the foldablearms 82 become flush with the first surface 92 of the seat 87. In oneembodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 of the apparatus 10,300, enables a user to more easily, safely and comfortably supporthimself (with or without assistance) in a shower or bath tub 18 becausethe joining device 90 may pivot and be lockable in place or fixed inorientation to form a fixed angle 6 between about 10° and about 260°with respect to the inner surface 104 of the foldable arms 82 and thefirst surface 92 of the seat 87. Solid Brass Butler lockable hinges thatwill lock in place at 90° and 180° are available from Van Dyke'sRestorers, PO BOX 278, 39771 S.D. HWY. 34, WOONSOCKET, SD 57385, PHONE:(605) 796-4425.

FIG. 5 depicts an elevation view of the rotatable and/or slidable chair115 of the apparatus 10, 300, depicted in FIG. 3A, having enhancedportability, which enables a user to more easily, safely and comfortablysupport himself (with or without assistance) in a shower or bath tub109. The apparatus 10, 300, comprises: a rotatable and/or slidable chair115, and a shower or bath tub 109. The rotatable and/or slidable chair115 comprises an elongated base 114 and a foldable chair 96. Theelongated base 114 lies between the seat 87 of the foldable chair 96 ofthe rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and the surface 77 of the walls110 of the shower or bath tub 109.

The rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 may be operably coupled to aslidable pivot connector 118. The slidable pivot connector 118 may be apin or axle 120, having a concentric collar 111. The slidable pivotconnector 118 for moving the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 along aslot 116 cut into the seat 87 of the foldable chair 96 along thelongitudinal axis 107 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115. Theslidable pivot connector 118 and a pin or axle 120 enables the rotatableand/or slidable chair 115 to rotate in the direction of the arrows 99 or103.

The seat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 has a secondposition 112 and surface 124 or a first position 113 and surface 126,wherein the seat 87 in second position 112 has moved from the firstposition 113 to the second position 112. The surfaces 124, 126 may be ina plane that is parallel to a surface 128 of the elongated base 114. Agrooved channel 116, having grooves 117, is shown cut into the bottomsurface 85 of the seat 87 of the foldable chair 96 in position 112. Theseat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 is operably coupledto the elongated base 114 using slidable pivot connector 118 bymechanically and physically attaching the slidable pivot connector 118to the surface 128 of the elongated base 114. The slidable pivotconnector 118 comprises a pin or axle 120 having a longitudinal axis 125and a concentric collar 111 that may slide along grooves 117 in thegrooved channel 116.

In an embodiment of the apparatus 10, 300, the seat 87 of the rotatableand/or slidable chair 115 may be de-coupled from the slidable pivotconnector 108, providing access so that the swivel 118 and the pin oraxle 120 and the slot 116 may be lubricated, cleaned or repaired.

In an embodiment of the apparatus 10, 300, the seat 87 may be de-coupledfrom the slidable pivot connector 118 for easy disassembly of therotatable and/or slidable chair 115.

When seat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 is in position113, an embodiment of the apparatus 10, 300 having enhanced portabilitywhich enables a user to more easily, safely and comfortably supporthimself (with or without assistance) in a shower or bath tub 109, theseat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 is shown coupled tothe slidable pivot connector 118, enabling the seat 87 to slide in adirection of the arrows 101, 102, in the slot 116 along the longitudinalaxis 107 of the elongated base 114. Coupling the seat 87 of therotatable and/or slidable chair 115 to the slidable pivot connector 118also enables the seat 87 to rotate about the pin or axle 120 on itslongitudinal axis 125 that is orthogonal to the longitudingal axis 107of the elongated base 114 in a direction of the arrows 103, 99.

FIG. 6 depicts a horizontal cross-sectional view of the apparatus 10,300, having enhanced portability, which enables a user to more easily,safely and comfortably support himself (with or without assistance) in ashower or bath tub 109, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5. The apparatus10, 300, comprises: a rotatable and/or slidable chair 115, and a showeror bath tub 109. The rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 comprises anelongated base 114 and a foldable chair 96. Referring to FIG. 5, theelongated base 114 lies between the seat 87 of the foldable chair 96 ofthe rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and the surface 77 of the walls110 of the shower or bath tub 109.

The elongated base 114 has an upper surface 83 and a parallel oppositelydisposed lower surface 79. Referring to FIG. 5, the bottom surface 85 ofthe seat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and the uppersurface 83 of the elongated base 114 form an interface 81 that lies in alongitudinal plane defined by the points A, B, C, and D that lie in thesurface 83 of the elongated base 114. Therefore, the upper surface 83 ofthe elongated base 114 supports the seat 87 because the lower surface 85of the seat 87 lies on the upper surface 83 of the elongated base 114.The rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 may be supported by the walls105 of the bathtub or shower 109 because the lower surface 79 of theelongated base 114 lies on the surface 77 of the walls 105 of the showeror bath tub 109.

A grooved channel 116, having grooves 117 has been cut into a bottomsurface 85 of the seat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115. Aslidable pivot connector 118 running along the longitudinal axis 107 ofthe grooved channel 116, may operably couple the elongated base 114 andthe seat 87 of the foldable chair 96. The slidable pivot connector 118may be a pin or axle 120 having a concentric collar 111. Hereinafter,“operably coupling” or “operably coupled” is defined as linking ormechanically and physically attaching a first supporting structure, suchas the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 to a second supportingstructure, such as the elongated base 114, so that the first supportingstructure may freely rotate in a direction of the arrow 89 about avertical axis running perpendicularly to a longitudinal plane of thesecond supporting structure and/or slide in a direction of thebidirectional arrow 110 along the longitudinal plane of the secondsupporting structure.

The slidable pivot connector 118 comprises a pin or axle 120 having aconcentric collar 111, the pin or axle 120 having a longitudinal axisthat is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 107 of the rotatable and/orslidable chair 115. Referring to FIG. 6, the pin or axle 120 extendsfrom a well 9 within the elongated base 114 into the grooved channel 116that lies within the seat 87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115and runs along the longitudinal axis 107. The slidable pivot connector118 may be a pin or axle 120 having a concentric collar 111. When theslidable pivot connector 118 is a pin or axle 120 having the concentriccollar 111, the pin or axle 120 runs along the slot 116 and theconcentric collar 111 runs along the grooves 117 both of which run alongthe longitudinal axis 107, operably coupling the rotatable and/orslidable chair 115 to the elongated base 114. Hereinafter, “operablycoupling” or “operably coupled” is defined as linking or mechanicallyand physically attaching a first supporting structure, such as therotatable and/or slidable chair 115 to a second supporting structure,such as the elongated base 114, so that the first supporting structuremay freely rotate in a direction of the arrow 89 about a vertical axisrunning perpendicularly to a longitudinal plane of the second supportingstructure and/or slide in a direction of the bidirectional arrow 110along the longitudinal plane of the second supporting structure. Theslidable pivot connector 118 may be a type of connector used in a lazysusan for operably coupling a rotatable tray and a supporting structure.Hereinafter, a “lazy susan” is defined as a rotatable tray used forserving food, condiments, or relishes. The tray may rotate on a pin oraxle 120. The slidable pivot connector 118 may be a ball and socketconnector, in which one end of the ball and socket may be inserted intothe surface 83 of the elongated base 114, and another end of the balland socket may be attached to the seat 87 of the foldable chair 96.Alternatively, the slidable pivot connector 118 may be a swivel and pinor axle connector, having a pin or axle 120 inserted into the surface 83of the elongated base 114, or into the bottom surface 85 of the seat 87,so that the ball and socket connector or the swivel and pin or axleconnector operably couples the first and second supporting structures,such as the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and the elongated base114.

The rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 may be operably coupled to aslidable pivot connector 118 and a pin or axle 120 for moving therotatable and/or slidable chair 115 along a slot 116 cut into a bottomsurface 85 the seat 87 of the foldable chair 96 along the longitudinalaxis 107 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115. The slidable pivotconnector 118 and a pin or axle 120 enables the rotatable and/orslidable chair 115 to rotate in the direction of the arrows 99 or 103.

FIG. 7 depicts an elevation view of the rotatable and/or slidable chair115 depicted in FIGS. 3-6, further comprising a slidable pivot connector600, e.g. a carousel connector, and a frame 501.

In one embodiment, the seat 14, 87 of the rotatable and/or slidablechair 22, 115 of the apparatus 10, 300, 500 has a wider front edge 48than an edge 8 adjacent to the back 16, 80 of the rotatable and/orslidable chair 22, 115, and a flared front edge 3, extending the frontedge 48 between about 15 inches and about 25 inches. In this embodiment,flared front edge 3 aids the user in initially sitting on the seat 87 byenlarging the area of the seat 87.

The slidable pivot connector 600, e.g. a carousel connector, is betweenthe rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and the frame 501. The slidablepivot connector 600, e.g. a carousel connector, comprises: a mount 605,and a base 599 supported by blocks 620, wherein the blocks 620 may benon-metallic pillow blocks made of nylon, rubber, or flexible plasticavailable from Metalized Carbon Company, Ossining, N.Y. Each of theblocks 620 have a central lumen 604, wherein the outer diameter of theframe tubes 450 of the frame 501 is less than or equal to the diameterof the central lumen 604 of the blocks 620, so that the blocks 620 slidealong the frame tubes 450 when the frame tubes 450 are inserted withinthe lumen 604 of the blocks 620 therein.

The rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 may rotate in a direction of thebidirectional arrow 635 because the mount 605 of the slidable pivotconnector 600, e.g. a carousel connector, is operably coupled to therotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and because the mount 605 isrotatable in the direction of the bidirectional arrow 635. The rotatableand/or slidable chair 115 is slidable in the direction of thebidirectional arrow 640 because the mount 605 of the slidable pivotconnector 600, e.g. a carousel connector, is operably coupled to therotatable and/or slidable chair 115 and because the mount 605 isoperably coupled to the base 599 and the blocks 620 of the base 599slide on the rails 450 of the frame 501.

The frame 501 has legs 510 that either sit directly on the bottom insidesurface 520 of a shower or bath tub 518 or that straddle walls 507 of ashower or bath tub 518 and supports the rotatable and/or slidable chair115, depicted in FIG. 8, and described in associated text, herein. Thelegs 510 are operably coupled to the frame 501, forming angles DAE, CBF,BCH, GDA, 515, at the joints between the legs 510 and the plane ABCD,wherein the angle 515 may be between about 0° and 180°. In oneembodiment, the angle, at the joints between the legs 510 and the planeABCD, is 105°.

In one embodiment, the frame is 36 in. long×20 in. high×15 in. deep. Inone embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 may befixed-in-place. In another embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidablechair 115 may be allowed to slide relative to the frame 501 in adirection of the arrow 508.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 500, comprises a slidable and/orrotatable chair 115, a slidable pivot connector 600, e.g. a carouselconnector, and a frame 501. The frame 501, having legs 510, wherein thelegs 510 collapse under the frame 501, so that the apparatus 500 has asmaller three dimensional volume, based on the length, depth and heightof the apparatus 500. In one embodiment, the three dimensional volume is1,080 cubic inches when the frame 501 is 36 in. long×20 in. high×15 in.deep, when the legs 510 are extended under the frame 501 to support it.The three dimensional volume is 720 cubic inches when the frame 501 is36 in. long×20 in. high×1 in. deep when the legs 510 are collapsed underthe frame 501 for easier and more comfortable and safe transporting orcarrying the apparatus 500. The three dimensional volume may be reducedby 720 cubic inches/1,020 cubic inches, or about 31% by folding the legs510 under the frame 501.

The slidable and/or rotatable chair 115 may, in some embodiments, have afoldable back support and foldable arms attached to it for additionalsupport of the user.

FIG. 8 depicts an isometric view of the frame 501 of the apparatus 500,as depicted in FIG. 7 and described herein, further comprising the legs510 of the frame straddling a shower or bathtub 518, the apparatus 500having enhanced portability, which enables a user to more easily, safelyand comfortably support himself (with or without assistance) in a showeror bath tub 518. In one embodiment, the shower seat or bench 500comprises; 1) a frame 501 and 2) the seat 115, as depicted in FIGS. 3-7and described herein. The frame 501 has legs 510 that either restdirectly on the bottom inside surface 520 of the shower or bath tub 518or that straddle walls 507 of the shower or bath tub 518 and supportsthe seat 115. The legs 510 are operably coupled to the frame 501,forming an angle 515, wherein the angle, 515, may be between about 0°and 180°. Legs 510 aid in making the seat more portable by allowing areduction in the overall height of the shower seat or bench 500 of theapparatus 10, 300, 500 when collapsed.

In one embodiment, the frame is 36 in. long×20 in. high×15 in. deep. Inone embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 may befixed-in-place. In another embodiment, the fixed-in-place. In anotherembodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115 may be allowed toslide relative to the frame 501 in a direction of the arrow 508. Theseat may, in some embodiments, have a foldable back support and foldablearms for additional support of the user.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of a slidable pivot connector 600, e.g.a carousel connector, of the apparatus 300, depicted in FIGS. 7-8 anddescribed in associated text herein. The slidable pivot connector 600,e.g. a carousel connector, comprises: a mount 605 operably coupled to acarriage 599. The carriage 599 comprises a bearing 625 that rotates onan axis of rotation 603 in a direction of the arrows 615, 610. Theslidable pivot connector 600, e.g. a carousel connector, comprises amount 605, and a base 599 supported by blocks 620, wherein the blocks620 may be non-metallic pillow blocks made of nylon, rubber, or flexibleplastic available from Metalized Carbon Company, Ossining, N.Y. Each ofthe blocks 620 have a central lumen 604, wherein the outer diameter ofthe frame tubes 450 of the frame 501 is less than or equal to thediameter of the central lumen 604 of the blocks 620, so that the blocks620 slide along the frame tubes 450 when the frame tubes 450 areinserted within the lumen 604 of the blocks 620 therein.

In one embodiment, an apparatus 10, 300, 500, is provided, comprising:an elongated base 12, comprising a tapered yoke 24 operably coupled to afirst end 56 of the elongated base 12 and a slidable pivot connector 191operably coupled to a second end 54 of the elongated base 12; arotatable and/or slidable chair 22 comprising a seat 14, a back 16 and aplurality of arms 20, wherein the plurality of arms 20 are operablycoupled to only the seat 14 and do not come in contact with the back 16of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 so that an outermost surface33 of the arms 20 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 form acoplanar surface with a first surface 31 of the seat 14 by folding intorecesses 34 in the seat 14, and wherein the rotatable and/or slidablechair 22 is operably coupled to the same end 56 of the elongated base 12as the tapered yolk 24.

In one embodiment, the back 16 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22of the apparatus 10, 300, 500, is foldable.

In one embodiment, a joining device 15, 94 operably couples the back 16,80 and the seat 14, 87 of the apparatus 10, 300, 500 so that the seat14, 87 folds to meet a plane of the first surface 31, 92 of the seat 14,87 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22, 115.

In one embodiment, an angle formed between the back 16, 80 and the firstsurface 31, 92 is 100°.

In one embodiment, the angle formed between the back 16, 80 and thefirst surface 31, 92 of the seat 14, 87 of the rotatable and/or slidablechair 22, 115 of the apparatus 10, 300, 500 is from about 100° and 170°.

In one embodiment, the slidable pivot connector 108 of the apparatus 10,300, 500 is a ball in a socket.

In one embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22, 115 of theapparatus 10, 300, 500 has a weight from about 6 lbs. to about 10 lbs.

In one embodiment, the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22, 115 of theapparatus 10, 300, 500 is made of hollow moldable plastics selected fromthe group consisting of polyvinylchloride (PVC), high or low densitypolypropylene, high or low density polyethylene, polystyrene, siliconerubber, silicone elastomer, organic elastomer, viton, sanoprene andethylene propylene diene monomer EPDM.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 10, 500 comprises a slidable and/orrotatable chair 22, 115 operably coupled to an elongated base 12, 114 ora frame 501. The elongated base 12, 114 or the frame 501, having legs52, 510, wherein the legs 52, 510 collapse into recesses 187 in theelongated base 12, 114 or under the frame 501, so that the apparatus 10,500 has a smaller three dimensional volume, based on the length, depthand height of the apparatus 10, 500.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 10, 500 comprises a slidable and/orrotatable chair 22, 115 operably coupled to an elongated base 12, or aframe 501. The elongated base 12, or the frame 501, having legs 52, 510operably coupled to a second surface 42 of the seat 14, or the frame510, wherein the legs 52, 510 collapse into recesses 187 in theelongated base 12, or under the frame 501. The legs 52, 510 are operablycoupled to only the seat 14, or the frame 501, so that an outermostsurface of the legs 52, 510 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22,115 form a coplanar surface with the second surface 41 of the seat 14,or the frame 501, by folding into recesses 187 in the seat 14 or underthe frame 501.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 10, 500 comprises a slidable and/orrotatable chair 22, 115 operably coupled to an elongated base 12, 114 ora frame 501. The slidable and/or rotatable chair 22, 115 comprising aseat 14, 87 and arms 20, 82, the seat 14, 87 having recesses 84 and arms20, 82 therein.

In one embodiment, the tapered yolk 24 of the apparatus 10 is rotatablefrom about 0° to about 360°.

In one embodiment, the slidable pivot connector 47, 108, 600 between theslidable and/or rotatable chair 22, 115 and the elongated base 12, 114,or the frame 501 of the apparatus 10, 300, 500 is a lazy susan or apin-in-slot.

In one embodiment, the seat of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22,115 of the apparatus 10, 300, 500 has a wider front edge than an edgeadjacent to the back 16, 80 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22,115, and a flared front edge 3, extending the front edge between about15 inches and about 25 inches.

In one embodiment, an apparatus 10, 300 and 500 is provided, comprising:a rotatable and/or slidable chair 22, 115 comprising a seat 87, a back80 and a plurality of arms 82, either an elongated base 12, 114 and aslidable pivot connector 47, 108, 600, therein; or a frame 501 and aslidable pivot connector 47, 108, 600, e.g. a carousel connector,supported by the frame 501; wherein the elongated base 114 and theslidable pivot connector 47, 108, 600, therein, or the slidable pivotconnector 47, 108, 600, e.g. a carousel connector, are operably coupledto the rotatable and/or slidable chair 115.

In one embodiment, the slidable pivot means is a ball and socketconnector.

In one embodiment, the slidable pivot means is a lazy susan or apin-in-slot connector.

In one embodiment, an apparatus 10 is provided, comprising: an elongatedbase 12, having a tapered yoke 24 operably coupled to a first end 56 ofthe elongated base 12; a rotatable and/or slidable chair 22, comprisinga seat 14, a back 16, and a plurality of arms 20. The arms 20 areoperably coupled to only the seat 14 and do not come in contact with theback 16 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 so that an outermostsurface 33 of the arms 20 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 forma coplanar surface with a first surface 31 of the seat 14 by foldinginto recesses 34 in the seat 14, and wherein the rotatable and/orslidable chair 22 is operably coupled to the same end of the elongatedbase 12 as the tapered yolk 24 by a slidable pivot means 191 forrotating the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22 from about 0° to about360°.

In one embodiment, the slidable pivot means 191 is a ball and socketconnector.

In one embodiment, the slidable pivot means 191 is a pin-in-slotconnector.

FIG. 10 is a flow sheet of a method 800 for supporting a person in abath tub or a shower, comprises a step 810, providing an apparatus 10,300, 500 comprising: an elongated base 12, 114 having a slidable pivotconnector 191, 108 therein; a step 820, providing a rotatable and/orslidable chair 22, 115, comprising a seat 14, 87, a back 16, 80 and aplurality of arms 20, 82. The arms 20, 82 are operably coupled to onlythe seat 14, 87. The arms 20, 82 do not come in contact with the back16, 80 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22, 115. An outermostsurface 33 of the arms 20, 82 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22,115 form a coplanar surface with a first surface 31, 92 of the seat 14,87 by being folded into recesses 34, 84 in the seat 14, 87; a step 820,installing the apparatus 10, 300, 500 on opposite vertical walls 38, 40,110, of a bathtub or shower 18, 109; a step 830, unfolding the arms 20,82 of the rotatable and/or slidable chair 22, 115.

In one embodiment of the method 800, the slidable pivot connector 191,108 rotates the rotatable and/or slidable chair from about 0° to about360°.

The description of the embodiments of the present invention is givenabove for the understanding of the present invention. It will beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the particularembodiments described herein, but is capable of various modifications,rearrangements and substitutions as will now become apparent to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.Therefore, it is intended that the following claims cover all suchmodifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope ofthe invention.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. An apparatus, comprising: a slidable pivotconnector; a frame; and a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein theslidable pivot connector is between the rotatable and/or slidable chairand the frame.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the back of therotatable and/or slidable chair is foldable.
 24. The apparatus of claim22, wherein a joining device operably couples the back and the seat ofthe apparatus, so that the seat folds to meet a plane of the firstsurface of the rotatable and/or slidable chair.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 24, wherein an angle formed between the back and the first surfaceis 100°.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the angle formed betweenthe back and the first surface is from about 80° and 170°.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 22, wherein the slidable pivot connector is a ball ina socket.
 28. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the rotatable and/orslidable chair has a weight from about 6 lbs. to about 10 lbs.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 28, wherein the rotatable and/or slidable chair ismade of hollow moldable plastics selected from the group consisting ofpolyvinylchloride (PVC), high or low density polypropylene, high or lowdensity polyethylene, polystyrene, silicone rubber, silicone elastomer,organic elastomer, viton, sanoprene and ethylene propylene diene monomerEPDM.
 30. The apparatus of claim 22, comprising: foldable legs operablycoupled to the frame, forming angles DAE, CBF, BCH, GDA, at the jointsbetween the legs and the plane ABCD, wherein the angle is between about0° and 180°.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, The apparatus of claim 30,wherein the angle is about 105°.
 32. The apparatus of claim 22, whereinthe frame has collapsable legs that either sit directly on the bottominside surface of a shower or bath tub or that straddle walls of ashower or bath tub and supports the rotatable and/or slidable chair. 33.The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the slidable pivot connectorcomprises: a rotatable mount operably coupled to the rotatable and/orslidable chair; and a base supported by blocks.
 34. The apparatus ofclaim 33, wherein the blocks are selected from the group consisting ofnon-metallic pillow blocks.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein thenon-metallic pillow blocks are made of a material selected from thegroup consisting of nylon, rubber and flexible plastic.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 33, wherein the blocks have a central lumen, whereinthe outer diameter of the frame tubes of the frame is less than or equalto the diameter of the central lumen of the blocks, so that the blocksslide along the frame tubes when the frame tubes are inserted within thelumen of the blocks therein.
 37. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein theseat of the rotatable and/or slidable chair of the apparatus has a widerfront edge than an edge adjacent to the back of the rotatable and/orslidable chair, and a flared front edge, extending the front edgebetween about 15 inches and about 25 inches.
 38. An apparatus,comprising: a rotatable and/or slidable chair: comprising a seat; aback; and a plurality of arms; and a frame and a slidable pivotconnector supported by the frame, wherein the slidable pivot connectorsupported by the frame are operably coupled to the rotatable and/orslidable chair.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the slidable pivotconnector is a ball and socket connector.
 40. The apparatus of claim 38,wherein the slidable pivot connector is a lazy susan or a pin-in-slotconnector.
 41. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the slidable pivotconnector is between the rotatable and/or slidable chair and the frame.42. The apparatus of claim 38, the slidable pivot connector comprising:a rotatable mount, a rotatable base or carriage, supported by blocks;and a bearing between the rotatable mount and the rotatable base orcarriage for rotating the rotatable base or carriage.
 43. A kit,comprising: a bathtub or shower; a slidable pivot connector; a frame;and a rotatable and/or slidable chair, wherein the slidable pivotconnector is between the rotatable and/or slidable chair and the frame.